Author: sHq_LoGiNz
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ —
Did you use your Visa or Mastercard debit card or Visa, Mastercard, or Discover non-rewards credit card to make a purchase from 2015 to 2022?
Your rights may be affected by a class-action settlement.
Did you use your Visa, Mastercard, or Discover non-rewards credit card to make a purchase in Illinois from 2016 to 2022?
You could get money from a $17.5 million settlement.
There is a Settlement in a class action lawsuit that claims American Express Company and American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. (“Amex”) has rules or provisions in its merchant agreements that do not allow merchants who accept American Express cards for payment to “steer” or encourage customers to pay with a different card that may charge the merchant a lower fee. Merchants then raise their prices to cover the Amex fee and charge all customers the same price. Therefore, customers who do not use an Amex card to make purchases end up paying more money than they would have without these rules. Amex denies that it did anything wrong.
You may have seen a previous notice about the Court certifying debit-card and non-rewards credit-cards classes in this case (“Certified Classes”). That case went to trial and the jury returned a verdict. This notice is about the post-verdict Settlement with Amex.
Who is included in the Settlement?
Generally, you are included in the Settlement if you are in one or more of the following classes:
- Debit-card classes: if you are a person who is a Visa or Mastercard debit card holder, and you, or an authorized user, used this debit card to purchase a good or service from one or more Qualifying Merchants in Alabama, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oregon, or Utah. Your account address and the purchase made had to be in the same state and in Alabama, the District of Columbia, Maine, North Carolina, Oregon, or Utah from January 29, 2015, to June 1, 2022, or Kansas, Illinois, or Mississippi from January 29, 2016, to June 1, 2022.
- Non-rewards credit-card classes: if you are a person who is a card holder of a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover general purpose credit or charge card that does not offer credit card rewards or charge an annual fee, and you, or an authorized user, used this card to purchase a good or service from one or more Qualifying Merchants in the District of Columbia, Kansas, or Illinois. Your billing address and the purchase made had to be in the same state and in the District of Columbia from January 29, 2015, to June 1, 2022, or Kansas or Illinois from January 29, 2016, to June 1, 2022.
Visit the website below for more specific information, including the full list of Qualifying Merchants and who is excluded from the classes.
What does the Settlement provide?
Amex will pay $17.5 million into a Settlement Fund. This amount will be used to pay taxes; notice and administration costs; attorneys’ fees and expenses; service awards to the class representatives; other costs, fees, and expenses; and money to eligible Illinois non-rewards credit-card Class Members.
Who can get a payment from the Settlement?
You may file a claim to get a payment from the Settlement if you are in the Illinois non-rewards credit-card class, meaning if you are a person who is a card holder, you have a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover general purpose credit or charge card account that does not offer credit card rewards or charge an annual fee, and you, or an authorized user, used this card to purchase a good or service from one or more Qualifying Merchants in Illinois. Your billing address and the purchase made had to be in Illinois from January 29, 2016, to June 1, 2022.
How can I get a payment?
If you are part of the Illinois non-rewards credit-card class, you must submit a claim form online or by mail by May 19, 2026. If your claim is valid, you will get an equal (or per capita) share of the Settlement Fund (after costs, fees, and expenses are deducted). Your payment amount will depend on the number of valid and timely claims.
What are your options?
If you did not exclude yourself previously, you are bound by the Court’s decisions. You may object to the Settlement by April 29, 2026. Detailed information about how to object is available on the website, www.AmexAntitrust.com.
The Court will hold a Final Hearing on June 17, 2026, to consider if it will approve the Settlement and a request for attorneys’ fees up to 33% of the Settlement Fund and expenses up to $8 million and service awards for the class representative. You or your own lawyer may appear and speak at the hearing at your own expense, although you are not required to do so.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Visit: www.AmexAntitrust.com Call 1-877-315-0587
View original content:SOURCE Berman Tabacco
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ —
Did you use your Visa or Mastercard debit card or Visa, Mastercard, or Discover non-rewards credit card to make a purchase from 2015 to 2022?
Your rights may be affected by a class-action settlement.
Did you use your Visa, Mastercard, or Discover non-rewards credit card to make a purchase in Illinois from 2016 to 2022?
You could get money from a $17.5 million settlement.
There is a Settlement in a class action lawsuit that claims American Express Company and American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. (“Amex”) has rules or provisions in its merchant agreements that do not allow merchants who accept American Express cards for payment to “steer” or encourage customers to pay with a different card that may charge the merchant a lower fee. Merchants then raise their prices to cover the Amex fee and charge all customers the same price. Therefore, customers who do not use an Amex card to make purchases end up paying more money than they would have without these rules. Amex denies that it did anything wrong.
You may have seen a previous notice about the Court certifying debit-card and non-rewards credit-cards classes in this case (“Certified Classes”). That case went to trial and the jury returned a verdict. This notice is about the post-verdict Settlement with Amex.
Who is included in the Settlement?
Generally, you are included in the Settlement if you are in one or more of the following classes:
- Debit-card classes: if you are a person who is a Visa or Mastercard debit card holder, and you, or an authorized user, used this debit card to purchase a good or service from one or more Qualifying Merchants in Alabama, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oregon, or Utah. Your account address and the purchase made had to be in the same state and in Alabama, the District of Columbia, Maine, North Carolina, Oregon, or Utah from January 29, 2015, to June 1, 2022, or Kansas, Illinois, or Mississippi from January 29, 2016, to June 1, 2022.
- Non-rewards credit-card classes: if you are a person who is a card holder of a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover general purpose credit or charge card that does not offer credit card rewards or charge an annual fee, and you, or an authorized user, used this card to purchase a good or service from one or more Qualifying Merchants in the District of Columbia, Kansas, or Illinois. Your billing address and the purchase made had to be in the same state and in the District of Columbia from January 29, 2015, to June 1, 2022, or Kansas or Illinois from January 29, 2016, to June 1, 2022.
Visit the website below for more specific information, including the full list of Qualifying Merchants and who is excluded from the classes.
What does the Settlement provide?
Amex will pay $17.5 million into a Settlement Fund. This amount will be used to pay taxes; notice and administration costs; attorneys’ fees and expenses; service awards to the class representatives; other costs, fees, and expenses; and money to eligible Illinois non-rewards credit-card Class Members.
Who can get a payment from the Settlement?
You may file a claim to get a payment from the Settlement if you are in the Illinois non-rewards credit-card class, meaning if you are a person who is a card holder, you have a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover general purpose credit or charge card account that does not offer credit card rewards or charge an annual fee, and you, or an authorized user, used this card to purchase a good or service from one or more Qualifying Merchants in Illinois. Your billing address and the purchase made had to be in Illinois from January 29, 2016, to June 1, 2022.
How can I get a payment?
If you are part of the Illinois non-rewards credit-card class, you must submit a claim form online or by mail by May 19, 2026. If your claim is valid, you will get an equal (or per capita) share of the Settlement Fund (after costs, fees, and expenses are deducted). Your payment amount will depend on the number of valid and timely claims.
What are your options?
If you did not exclude yourself previously, you are bound by the Court’s decisions. You may object to the Settlement by April 29, 2026. Detailed information about how to object is available on the website, www.AmexAntitrust.com.
The Court will hold a Final Hearing on June 17, 2026, to consider if it will approve the Settlement and a request for attorneys’ fees up to 33% of the Settlement Fund and expenses up to $8 million and service awards for the class representative. You or your own lawyer may appear and speak at the hearing at your own expense, although you are not required to do so.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Visit: www.AmexAntitrust.com Call 1-877-315-0587
SOURCE Berman Tabacco
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ —
Did you use your Visa or Mastercard debit card or Visa, Mastercard, or Discover non-rewards credit card to make a purchase from 2015 to 2022?
Your rights may be affected by a class-action settlement.
Did you use your Visa, Mastercard, or Discover non-rewards credit card to make a purchase in Illinois from 2016 to 2022?
You could get money from a $17.5 million settlement.
There is a Settlement in a class action lawsuit that claims American Express Company and American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. (“Amex”) has rules or provisions in its merchant agreements that do not allow merchants who accept American Express cards for payment to “steer” or encourage customers to pay with a different card that may charge the merchant a lower fee. Merchants then raise their prices to cover the Amex fee and charge all customers the same price. Therefore, customers who do not use an Amex card to make purchases end up paying more money than they would have without these rules. Amex denies that it did anything wrong.
You may have seen a previous notice about the Court certifying debit-card and non-rewards credit-cards classes in this case (“Certified Classes”). That case went to trial and the jury returned a verdict. This notice is about the post-verdict Settlement with Amex.
Who is included in the Settlement?
Generally, you are included in the Settlement if you are in one or more of the following classes:
- Debit-card classes: if you are a person who is a Visa or Mastercard debit card holder, and you, or an authorized user, used this debit card to purchase a good or service from one or more Qualifying Merchants in Alabama, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oregon, or Utah. Your account address and the purchase made had to be in the same state and in Alabama, the District of Columbia, Maine, North Carolina, Oregon, or Utah from January 29, 2015, to June 1, 2022, or Kansas, Illinois, or Mississippi from January 29, 2016, to June 1, 2022.
- Non-rewards credit-card classes: if you are a person who is a card holder of a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover general purpose credit or charge card that does not offer credit card rewards or charge an annual fee, and you, or an authorized user, used this card to purchase a good or service from one or more Qualifying Merchants in the District of Columbia, Kansas, or Illinois. Your billing address and the purchase made had to be in the same state and in the District of Columbia from January 29, 2015, to June 1, 2022, or Kansas or Illinois from January 29, 2016, to June 1, 2022.
Visit the website below for more specific information, including the full list of Qualifying Merchants and who is excluded from the classes.
What does the Settlement provide?
Amex will pay $17.5 million into a Settlement Fund. This amount will be used to pay taxes; notice and administration costs; attorneys’ fees and expenses; service awards to the class representatives; other costs, fees, and expenses; and money to eligible Illinois non-rewards credit-card Class Members.
Who can get a payment from the Settlement?
You may file a claim to get a payment from the Settlement if you are in the Illinois non-rewards credit-card class, meaning if you are a person who is a card holder, you have a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover general purpose credit or charge card account that does not offer credit card rewards or charge an annual fee, and you, or an authorized user, used this card to purchase a good or service from one or more Qualifying Merchants in Illinois. Your billing address and the purchase made had to be in Illinois from January 29, 2016, to June 1, 2022.
How can I get a payment?
If you are part of the Illinois non-rewards credit-card class, you must submit a claim form online or by mail by May 19, 2026. If your claim is valid, you will get an equal (or per capita) share of the Settlement Fund (after costs, fees, and expenses are deducted). Your payment amount will depend on the number of valid and timely claims.
What are your options?
If you did not exclude yourself previously, you are bound by the Court’s decisions. You may object to the Settlement by April 29, 2026. Detailed information about how to object is available on the website, www.AmexAntitrust.com.
The Court will hold a Final Hearing on June 17, 2026, to consider if it will approve the Settlement and a request for attorneys’ fees up to 33% of the Settlement Fund and expenses up to $8 million and service awards for the class representative. You or your own lawyer may appear and speak at the hearing at your own expense, although you are not required to do so.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Visit: www.AmexAntitrust.com Call 1-877-315-0587
SOURCE Berman Tabacco
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ —
Did you use your Visa or Mastercard debit card or Visa, Mastercard, or Discover non-rewards credit card to make a purchase from 2015 to 2022?
Your rights may be affected by a class-action settlement.
Did you use your Visa, Mastercard, or Discover non-rewards credit card to make a purchase in Illinois from 2016 to 2022?
You could get money from a $17.5 million settlement.
There is a Settlement in a class action lawsuit that claims American Express Company and American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. (“Amex”) has rules or provisions in its merchant agreements that do not allow merchants who accept American Express cards for payment to “steer” or encourage customers to pay with a different card that may charge the merchant a lower fee. Merchants then raise their prices to cover the Amex fee and charge all customers the same price. Therefore, customers who do not use an Amex card to make purchases end up paying more money than they would have without these rules. Amex denies that it did anything wrong.
You may have seen a previous notice about the Court certifying debit-card and non-rewards credit-cards classes in this case (“Certified Classes”). That case went to trial and the jury returned a verdict. This notice is about the post-verdict Settlement with Amex.
Who is included in the Settlement?
Generally, you are included in the Settlement if you are in one or more of the following classes:
- Debit-card classes: if you are a person who is a Visa or Mastercard debit card holder, and you, or an authorized user, used this debit card to purchase a good or service from one or more Qualifying Merchants in Alabama, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oregon, or Utah. Your account address and the purchase made had to be in the same state and in Alabama, the District of Columbia, Maine, North Carolina, Oregon, or Utah from January 29, 2015, to June 1, 2022, or Kansas, Illinois, or Mississippi from January 29, 2016, to June 1, 2022.
- Non-rewards credit-card classes: if you are a person who is a card holder of a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover general purpose credit or charge card that does not offer credit card rewards or charge an annual fee, and you, or an authorized user, used this card to purchase a good or service from one or more Qualifying Merchants in the District of Columbia, Kansas, or Illinois. Your billing address and the purchase made had to be in the same state and in the District of Columbia from January 29, 2015, to June 1, 2022, or Kansas or Illinois from January 29, 2016, to June 1, 2022.
Visit the website below for more specific information, including the full list of Qualifying Merchants and who is excluded from the classes.
What does the Settlement provide?
Amex will pay $17.5 million into a Settlement Fund. This amount will be used to pay taxes; notice and administration costs; attorneys’ fees and expenses; service awards to the class representatives; other costs, fees, and expenses; and money to eligible Illinois non-rewards credit-card Class Members.
Who can get a payment from the Settlement?
You may file a claim to get a payment from the Settlement if you are in the Illinois non-rewards credit-card class, meaning if you are a person who is a card holder, you have a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover general purpose credit or charge card account that does not offer credit card rewards or charge an annual fee, and you, or an authorized user, used this card to purchase a good or service from one or more Qualifying Merchants in Illinois. Your billing address and the purchase made had to be in Illinois from January 29, 2016, to June 1, 2022.
How can I get a payment?
If you are part of the Illinois non-rewards credit-card class, you must submit a claim form online or by mail by May 19, 2026. If your claim is valid, you will get an equal (or per capita) share of the Settlement Fund (after costs, fees, and expenses are deducted). Your payment amount will depend on the number of valid and timely claims.
What are your options?
If you did not exclude yourself previously, you are bound by the Court’s decisions. You may object to the Settlement by April 29, 2026. Detailed information about how to object is available on the website, www.AmexAntitrust.com.
The Court will hold a Final Hearing on June 17, 2026, to consider if it will approve the Settlement and a request for attorneys’ fees up to 33% of the Settlement Fund and expenses up to $8 million and service awards for the class representative. You or your own lawyer may appear and speak at the hearing at your own expense, although you are not required to do so.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Visit: www.AmexAntitrust.com Call 1-877-315-0587
SOURCE Berman Tabacco
International Olympic Committee news
For more than a century, the Olympic Winter Games have helped winter sport develop and deliver lasting benefits for their host regions. Climate change is now reshaping sport as we know it, requiring the Games to evolve responsibly.
Milano Cortina 2026 reflects this evolution through a more flexible, regionally distributed model that maximises existing venues, reduces environmental impact and strengthens community resilience. Innovation in snow-making technologies, clean energy and low-carbon mobility is helping ensure safe, fair and reliable competition while supporting host regions in adapting to a changing climate.
As the first Olympic Winter Games shaped from start to finish by the Olympic Agenda reforms, Milano Cortina 2026 has adapted to Northern Italy’s specific context – its infrastructure, winter sports heritage and community priorities.
Here’s what you need to know about the Milano Cortina 2026 sustainability, impact and legacy.
Sustainability
Games designed around existing, world-class venues
- 85 per cent of competition venues are existing, one of the highest reuse rates in Olympic Winter Games history.
- Iconic venues include Bormio’s Stelvio slope (Alpine skiing), Val di Fiemme (cross-country skiing and ski jumping), Anterselva (biathlon) and Cortina d’Ampezzo (Alpine skiing, curling and sliding sports), host of the 1956 Olympic Winter Games.
Olympic Villages adapted to local needs
- In Milan’s Porta Romana, a low-carbon Olympic Village is planned to become student and affordable housing after the Games.
- In Cortina, a temporary village built from recyclable units will be repurposed after the Games.
- In Bormio, Livigno, Anterselva and Predazzo, athletes will stay in existing hotels and facilities, limiting new construction and supporting local businesses.
Clean energy and low-carbon transport
- Renewable electricity will power most competition venues.
- Temporary generators, only to be used as a back-up, will be limited and run on HVO biofuel; almost all snowcats will also use HVO.
- A low-carbon transport plan targets 20 per cent fewer cars compared to Torino 2006, prioritising trains and shuttles.
Olympic symbols showcasing sustainability
- The Olympic torch is powered by Bio-LPG from renewable sources.
- The medals are produced using recycled metal, cast with renewable energy.
- Podiums will be adaptable and reused after the Games through community sport initiatives.
Responsible snowmaking
- Snowmaking is kept at the minimum needed to ensure safe competition.
- Automated, high-efficiency systems and GPS monitoring reduce unnecessary production, cutting electricity use by around 30 per cent.
- Only water, air and energy are used, with no chemical additives, and most of the energy comes from renewable sources.
Circular economy, water and biodiversity
- The aim is to recycle 70 per cent of urban waste, recover food leftovers across venues, and reuse around 24,000 items from Paris 2024.
- Strategic Environmental Assessments are being applied across multiple regions to protect fragile ecosystems.
- Biodiversity protection measures such as noise and light reduction are applied in sensitive natural areas, and restoration measures are planned after the Games.
Impact and legacy
Milano Cortina 2026 is inspiring active lifestyles and strengthening community resilience by accelerating long-term socio-economic development across urban and mountain regions.
Movement and well-being for all
- For the first time, sport has been referenced in the Italian Constitution, which should result in increased investment at both regional and national levels, following the establishment of a Sports Ministry.
- More than 330 legacy projects are already underway across Italy.
- GEN26, the Games’ flagship education and engagement programme, has involved more than 1.5 million students nationwide in Olympic and Paralympic-themed activities that promote inclusion, teamwork and healthy lifestyles.
- Walking the Games has seen 11,000 students walk more than 1.3 million kilometres, with 75 per cent reporting increased activity.
- The Go for 30 campaign promotes 30 minutes of daily activity for over 430,000 employees nationwide.
- Italia dei Giochi is bringing community sports events to five million participants across the country.
- The Cultural Olympiad has already engaged more than one million people through sport, art and culture.
Strengthening regional development and community resilience
- The Games align with long-term regional strategies on smart energy, sustainable mobility and urban regeneration.
- In Milan, the Porta Romana Olympic Village and Santagiulia Arena are anchoring new, inclusive urban districts, while public transport accessibility is being improved in both Milan and Verona.
- In mountain regions, upgrades to the electricity distribution systems favouring the use of renewable energy are strengthening local energy resilience.
- Modernisation of the Livigno Health Centre, the Codivilla Hospital in Cortina and the San Martino Hospital in Belluno is aimed at ensuring high-level medical services for the broader Upper Valtellina region.
- Existing venues across mountain regions are being upgraded for energy efficiency and waste reduction, ensuring long-term use beyond 2026.
Supporting local athletes, enterprise and skills
- New measures now support Olympic and Paralympic athletes in combining elite sport with university studies, including EUR 1,000-per-month maternity leave support for up to 10 months, CONI scholarships for athlete mothers, and protection to maintain rankings during maternity leave.
- Through programmes such as “Impact 2026”, organisers are engaging local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and social enterprises, and are strengthening local skills – helping create jobs and embedding much needed expertise in the host regions.
- More than 400 companies have taken part in training sessions, networking events and calls for tender.
- Around 650 young people will gain hands-on experience through Olympic Broadcasting Services training programmes.
100 Years of Winter Olympic Games
As we look back at the Olympic Winter Games editions, we can trace the story of how the Olympic Games have changed the world of winter sport and created transformative legacies for their host communities.
NEW YORK, Feb. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association (GNYADA), in partnership with New York Cares, delivered thousands of winter coats to children and families in need today at the New York Cares coat drop-off facility in Manhattan.
The delivery was part of GNYADA‘s Annual Winter Coat Drive and New York Cares’ 37th Annual Coat Drive. It brought together leadership from both organizations to underscore the role local automobile dealers play in supporting New Yorkers during the coldest months of the year. The coats, collected by over 120 area auto dealers, will be distributed by New York Cares to individuals and families across the five boroughs.
“Today is about community, compassion, and action. Our dealers don‘t just serve customers, they show up for their communities. Every coat delivered today represents warmth, dignity, and real support for someone facing winter without enough resources,” said Mark Schienberg, President of the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association.
GNYADA‘s annual Coat Drive has become a long-standing tradition among its dealer members. Over the years, GNYADA dealers have donated more than 200,000 coats and raised more than $400,000 to purchase new winter coats for children. This winter’s campaign builds on that momentum, with dealerships once again stepping up to help.
“Winter can be especially harsh for families already facing economic challenges,” said Sapreet Saluja, Executive Director of New York Cares. “Thanks to GNYADA‘s generosity, caring becomes action—helping thousands of New Yorkers stay warm, safe, and reminded that their community is standing with them.”
The delivery took place at New York Cares‘ coat distribution facility at 157 West 31st Street, where volunteers and staff will continue coordinating coat distribution throughout the winter season.
GNYADA and New York Cares encourage businesses and community members to support winter relief efforts by donating coats and making financial contributions.
Headquartered in Whitestone, N.Y, the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association represents 445 franchised automobile dealerships in the metro area of New York, generating $70.6 billion in economic activity, $3 billion in taxes, and supporting 68,800 New Yorkers. The $30m Center for Automotive Education & Training was built in 2015. The Association was established in 1910 and has continued to serve the industry’s needs ever since. GNYADA organizes the New York International Automobile Show, the largest auto show in North America, each spring, in Manhattan‘s Jacob Javits Convention Center.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/area-auto-dealers-and-new-york-cares-deliver-thousands-of-winter-coats-to-families-in-need-across-new-york-city-302692014.html
SOURCE The Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association
